Antiguan scholar Aethiopia Joseph-Salmon has earned one of the highest national distinctions in speech-language pathology. Her research received a “Meritorious Poster” award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the 2025 ASHA Convention. Out of 1,586 submissions, judges selected only 88 for this honour.

Joseph-Salmon studies the unmet needs of people living with fibromyalgia, especially those who face cognitive and communication challenges along with chronic pain. She argues that speech-language pathologists must play a more active role in treating this overlooked population.

Her work continues to gain attention. Earlier this year, she received the Students Preparing for Academic and Research Careers Award, also from ASHA. These back-to-back recognitions highlight her growing influence in a highly competitive field.

She said her own diagnosis in 2020 pushed her to pursue this research path. Her symptoms made daily life difficult, yet they also deepened her commitment to improving patient care. She credits her mother and early mentors in Antigua for strengthening her resilience during tough moments.

Joseph-Salmon completed her master’s degree at Howard University and now continues doctoral studies at Purdue University. Many consider her one of the first Antiguans to finish Howard’s speech-language pathology programme, a point of pride she carries with her.

She hopes to eventually support Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare sector by helping expand local treatment options for people with complex communication and cognitive disorders.

Joseph-Salmon presented her award-winning research at the 2025 ASHA Convention held November 20–22.

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